The Ministry of Justice has announced a package of measures designed to tackle fraudulent whiplash claims and reduce the cost of motor insurance in England and Wales.

These include the introduction of independent medical panels which will ‘support better diagnosis of possible whiplash injuries’ and provide objective, impartial advice to courts. Medical practitioners will be accredited to sit on these panels as assessors.

The report, which is a response to a consultation held earlier this year and the transport select committee’s inquiry into the issue, stipulates that:

‘Accreditation should be open to all suitable practitioners.’

It also states: ‘We have no plans to limit accreditation to doctors.’

Commenting on the announcement CSP head of public affairs and policy, Donna Castle, said: ‘This is a great result for the CSP and physiotherapy.

‘The report clearly states that the medical assessment panels will not be restricted to doctors, leaving the door wide open for physiotherapists to get involved.’

Evidence from the CSP

The society submitted evidence to the Ministry of Justice’s initial consultation and gave written and oral evidence to the transport select committee, calling for increased physiotherapy involvement with whiplash cases.

The society has written to justice secretary Chris Grayling urging him to ensure that physiotherapists are involved in the design and implementation of the new panels.

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The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK's 56,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers. Find out more about us.

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